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by: Mitchell Medford

Home theater is the term used to describe the recent evolution of audio and
video systems that offer exceptional quality and superior performance - in
essence, it is like having a movie theater in your own living room.

The recreation obtained by the combination of audio and visual components
creates the experience of a professional movie theater. The set-up may be as
simple as a DVD player fed through a stereo system and a larger television set,
or as elaborate as an entire room professionally wired with multiple speakers
and a projection screen. A home theater system may even include theater-style
chairs and an elevated floor for optimal viewing.

The knowledge of how a professional movie theater is designed is helpful to
learn more about the working of a Home theater system. Amplifier units are
located to the left, right and center of an expansive movie screen, there are
also several satellite speakers embedded through the auditorium, including the
back. Movie sound editors separate the audio track into as many as six different
channels -- the audience may hear dialogue in the front left, center and right
channels for instance. Other sounds may start from a rear channel and move
towards the front. This creates a very realistic audio environment.

Professional movie theaters also project a high-definition film onto an
oversized screen which is wider than it is tall. This allows for a more natural
visual experience than a typical square television screen provides. The
increased definition of a 35mm or 70mm film also gives the movie added realism.
All of these aspects of movie-going are recreated in a good home theater system.
The DVD player in a home theater system can separate the audio track into two,
three or even five channels.

Everyone has different needs and desires about what their media center should
be, and may be constrained by different environmental or budgetary limitations.
Careful navigation through a detailed methodology ensures that the right choices
about design, equipment selection, features, and style are made up front. A few
of the questions listed below would be advisable to ponder before setting up a
Home theater.

Where is theater going to be located?

How large is the area?

How many people would normally be using the room at a time?

How much ambient noise is there?

How much ambient light is there?

What will the room be used for primarily?

What will the secondary uses be?

What kind of budget do you have?

Since new movies are always being released, the thrill of your theater is
renewed each time you sit down in the comfort of your own home with your loved
ones. Why not make the most of it?

About The Author
Mitchell Medford is an author and product consultant for several consumer
electronics manufacturers. Visit his website for more information on home
theater, LCD TVs, and plasma televisions:
http://www.newtechnologytv.com.